Undercover Porcupinehttp://undercoverporcupine.bangordailynews.com
The thoughts of a libertarian-leaning IndependentFri, 27 Feb 2015 15:26:46 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.1Constitutional Carry A Victory For Mainehttp://undercoverporcupine.bangordailynews.com/2015/02/27/politics/concealed-carry-a-victory-for-maine/
http://undercoverporcupine.bangordailynews.com/2015/02/27/politics/concealed-carry-a-victory-for-maine/#commentsFri, 27 Feb 2015 14:29:53 +0000http://undercoverporcupine.bangordailynews.com/?p=583As previously reported in Undercover Porcupine (here and here), Constitutional Carry is back on the table here in Maine. Constitutional Carry is the right to carry firearms concealed without a permit, pursuant to the Constitution.

Article 1, Section 16 of the Maine Constitution states:

Every citizen has a right to keep and bear arms and this right shall never be questioned.

Senator Brakey correctly noted in speaking to the Sun Journal that this is a moderate proposal. Firearms laws can be absurd and end up hassling the law-abiding citizen for simply being a law-abiding citizen.

He further told the Sun Journal:

“Under current Maine law, the simple action of putting on a jacket turns a law-abiding gun owner into a law-breaker, unless they undergo a lengthy permitting process.”

Is a criminal going to care about the process? By definition, they don’t care and won’t bother to get a permit before misusing a firearm. These laws thus then put law-abiding citizens at an extreme disadvantage by making their self-defense rights more difficult to use.

This is a concept that most Republicans and Democrats understand, with cosponsors ranging across party lines with even bipartisan support among legislative leadership. Fortunately, the minority fringe of alarmist Democrats who oppose responsible gun ownership failed to intimidate their party leaders, who opted for a reasonable approach to firearm ownership.

Mainers win this battle, with fringe Democrats and special interest groups losing a critical battle against responsible gun owners. Although the legislation is not officially law yet, it appears that Senator Brakey has secured a critical victory for Maine here.

More theater is certainly to follow. Stay tuned as this bill advances through the Legislature in its journey to Governor Paul LePage’s desk.

]]>http://undercoverporcupine.bangordailynews.com/2015/02/27/politics/concealed-carry-a-victory-for-maine/feed/0Constitutional Carry Is Gaining Momentumhttp://undercoverporcupine.bangordailynews.com/2015/02/17/politics/constitutional-carry-is-gaining-momentum/
http://undercoverporcupine.bangordailynews.com/2015/02/17/politics/constitutional-carry-is-gaining-momentum/#commentsWed, 18 Feb 2015 01:29:07 +0000http://undercoverporcupine.bangordailynews.com/?p=578As previously noted previously in Undercover Porcupine, Constitutional Carry is back for consideration before the Maine Legislature. Since that first article a week ago, sponsor Senator Eric Brakey has provided a clearer picture of where things stand.

This bill authorizes a person who is not prohibited from possessing a firearm to carry a concealed handgun without a permit. This bill also authorizes a person to possess a loaded pistol or revolver while in a motor vehicle or a trailer or other vehicle being hauled by a motor vehicle.

Seems fairly straight forward, given the Maine State Constitution’s view on the topic.

Article 1, Section 16 of the Maine Constitution reads:

Every citizen has a right to keep and bear arms and this right shall never be questioned

Essentially, what Senator Brakey and co-sponsors are attempting to do at this point is simply reinforce constitutional law. Beyond this, they are taking a stand for ones right to defend themselves and their property. The unfortunate reality of the world is real evil exists and not everyone views things through our own personal standard of morality. We are faced with violence, rape, theft, and so on. In many cases, these criminals carry firearms as a way to threaten everyday citizens.

The quick and emotional response is to ban guns and increase regulations. Politicians will propose making the process of firearm purchase more difficult and making ownership options fewer. The problem with this approach is that lawbreakers aren’t likely to follow these laws, as by definition, they have no respect for the law.

The end result is we punish those who follow the law by making their self-defense rights more difficult and put them at a personal disadvantage when faced with criminals.

To the fourteen Senators and fifty-eight Representatives currently signed onto LR 280, thank you for taking a common sense stand for everyday Mainers and their rights to self-defense. No one should be oppressed by criminals and everyone deserves to be secure and safe.

To those not yet signed on, what’s the hold up? This isn’t rocket science. Do you believe Mainers should be at a disadvantage against criminals who may wish to harm them or their families? Do you wish to punish law-abiding citizens for the acts of criminals? Hopefully not.

According to an e-mail newsletter sent out by the Maine Campaign For Liberty, the deadline to sign on is February 26th. From that point on, the developments regarding this legislation promise to be interesting. More to come sooner than later, stay tuned.

]]>http://undercoverporcupine.bangordailynews.com/2015/02/17/politics/constitutional-carry-is-gaining-momentum/feed/0The Walking Dead And False Racismhttp://undercoverporcupine.bangordailynews.com/2015/02/14/politics/the-walking-dead-and-false-racism/
http://undercoverporcupine.bangordailynews.com/2015/02/14/politics/the-walking-dead-and-false-racism/#commentsSat, 14 Feb 2015 13:12:20 +0000http://undercoverporcupine.bangordailynews.com/?p=576There are times in my life I find myself having to reread headlines because sometimes they may be seem so ridiculous I wonder if I’m really reading The Onion. So imagine my surprise when I read about people attacking AMC for killing off an African-American character during Black History Month on their popular show “The Walking Dead.”

This actually is happening.

Let me first state that I am a big fan of the post-apocalyptic drama. I am also a huge fan of the now deceased character Tyreese, because he was such a kind and gentle human being who Chad Coleman portrayed extremely well. As much as any other fan, I was furious when the character met his tragic demise.

The criticism on basis of race is ridiculous, however. First, these shows are filmed months in advance. Creator Robert Kirkman, showrunner Scott Gimple, and Executive Producer Gale Anne Hurd didn’t wake up one morning and decide to off an African-American character during a month honoring black history. They’re busy enough without coordinating such an elaborate setup.

The depth of the show’s writing presents moral questions all the time. In a world of total lawlessness, the lines between sin and survival are blurred. This leaves a human being completely dependent on their own moral compass.

Some people, such as main character Rick Grimes, have had a dark transformation due to constant wear of survival. Tyreese is that rare, unique character who maintained his humanity when the world was lost.

Let me clear, racism is still very alive and unfortunately well in our world. It’s unfortunate that the color of a person’s skin can still be considered as a legitimate basis for judgement by some. Unfortunately, in a world of imperfect beings, we are all subject to our own moral compass. But not everything is racist just because it involves a minority.

This is the difference between an actual racist named Merle, who died earlier in the show, and individuals like Tyreese who maintain themselves when facing hell.

While Tyreese may have died during Black History Month, he was a strong character with an incredible actor behind it. The writers did well in creating a fascinating portrait of a human being who has lost his family and friends, being left to scavenge with total strangers, and still maintaining a sense of humanity.

There is real racism in America and I sincerely hope someday we can learn as a society to move past it. But The Walking Dead and AMC didn’t do anything wrong here.

On June 26th, 2013 I was having lunch in my favorite downtown Bangor, Maine restaurant with my dear friend Greg. Greg and I were engaging in conversations about being leaders of communities of faith, about different perspectives of theology, and about how the Supreme Court was going to rule on the Defense of Marriage Act.

(For those who don’t remember, in September of 1996 a federal law passed by a supermajority in both the House and Senate and signed into law by President Clinton that empowered certain States the ability to not recognize same gender marriages, which were recognized in other States).

During our meal, the news broke that the Supreme Court had ruled 5-4 that the Federal Defense of Marriage Act was unconstitutional. I remember clearly my friend’s face as I read him the news from my iPhone. I don’t remember him crying, but I do remember his eyes looking as though they were full of emotions.

You see my friend Greg–besides being an incredible person of faith, besides working tirelessly for those who live on the fringe of society, besides being one of the most compassionate human beings I know, besides being an excellent preacher–is a gay man.

And the Supreme Court of the United States had just made a ruling that impacted him and his partner who he was preparing to marry. Soon their marriage would be granted all the federal rights and benefits granted to all other married couples.

What a very special moment.

As I get older I become more thankful for being able to share those moments with my friend Greg.

It was not only a day of impact for Greg, his partner, and many same gender couples, it was the day I decided to come out of the closet in a way

For over fifteen years, I identified as a “conservative”, both politically and theologically. I was a Republican because Jesus would obviously be a member of the Republican Party, and I thumped the Bible with the best of them. I proudly supported “traditional” marriage and more than once preached sermons that spoke to the evil of same-gender marriages, with my preaching notes full of “right wing” talking points. I thought I was doing what was right by making sure gay people didn’t experience equality under the law. I was wrong. My attitude was wrong. My understanding was wrong.

Looking back at my social media feeds, I see that June 26th, 2013 was the first time I made public my support of Marriage Equality for all.

That was the day I opened the closet door and walked out and said “I am a Christian, I vote Republican, and I support marriage for all”.

Fast forward to January 16th of this year. The Supreme Court made the announcement that soon they are going to make a decision that will resolve the debate over same gender marriage. The ruling they are going to make is whether gays and lesbians have a constitutional right to marry, or whether States have the right to ban the practice.

With a majority of Americans now supporting the right for same gender couples to marry, and with over 70% of Americans living in places where same gender couples can marry; and with the declining influence of groups like the Moral Majority, the Family Research Council and the National Organization for Marriage; isn’t it time that differences are put aside and we as a civilized people stand in unity with our gay and lesbian friends, family members, and neighbors?

Looking forward, I am making a bold prediction that the Supreme Court will rule in favor of marriage equality for all by a vote of 6-3, and with the ruling the Supreme Court will join sides with people across the spectrum of faith and politics in saying that the Constitution is a document of inclusion, not of exclusion.

A Happy St. Valentine’s Day to all, and to all you love.

Matt McDonald is a loving father, has over fourteen years’ experience working for nonprofits, is politically independent, loves to travel, and is in the early process of practicing non-violent religion. Follow Matt on Twitter @Matt_McDonald_

]]>http://undercoverporcupine.bangordailynews.com/2015/02/13/politics/a-brief-observation-of-marriage-equality-on-valentines-day/feed/0Legislature To Again Consider Constitutional Carryhttp://undercoverporcupine.bangordailynews.com/2015/02/12/politics/legislature-to-again-consider-constitutional-carry/
http://undercoverporcupine.bangordailynews.com/2015/02/12/politics/legislature-to-again-consider-constitutional-carry/#commentsThu, 12 Feb 2015 14:54:04 +0000http://undercoverporcupine.bangordailynews.com/?p=571Once again, Maine will be considering a Constitutional Carry bill. LR-280 is being sponsored by Senator Eric Brakey (R-New Gloucester) and if passed, would legalize carrying a firearm without a permit. This legislation will likely prove controversial, but is a no-brainer if you’re a fan of the law and supporter of the law-abiding citizen.

From a legal standpoint, the Maine Constitution is straight forward.

Article 1, Section 16 clearly states:

Every citizen has a right to keep and bear arms and this right shall never be questioned

For those of you keeping score, that is the right to keep and bear arms without having a state issued card certifying that you are not a criminal, have criminal intent, or are otherwise a suspicious human being. This right to keep and bear arms is not to be questioned. Do you own firearms for self-defense, hunting, target practice, or as a collecting hobby? It’s none of my business, as long as you do not threaten or injure me.

The problem society is likely to run into is gun insecurity. Firearms get a bad image because of violent shootings by guns that fall into the hands of criminals and unstable individuals. The approach of this issue as a firearm policy point as opposed to a mental health issue reflects the true nature of the debate, which is government control.

After all, how many liberals do you see standing up for the Middle Eastern children who are casualty of President Obama’s drones? If your count is “crickets”, you would be correct.

While certainly not suggesting a new Holocaust is on the horizon, it is important to note that in 1938, Adolf Hitler stripped all jews of firearm ownership rights. Is anyone going to suggest that Hitler was merely attempting to protect the Jewish children from the Wild West violence their gun owning parents and neighbors perpetuated?

Guns aren’t evil. It is not the fault of a gun that it is pointed at a living being and had its triggered squeezed. A gun has no conscience or artificial intelligence. It is instead the human being utilizing the weapon that makes the decision to raise aim at another human being and pull the trigger. This reflects a serious mental issue by being comfortable with and even supportive of murder.

Thus, logically, gun violence is not a firearms issue but rather a mental health issue.

The problem with criminalizing gun ownership and creating restrictions on law-abiding citizens is that we are actually disciplining people for following the law. Those who intend on breaking the law do not intend on following other laws, including firearms regulations. Why are we punishing people who are good citizens that uphold the law and order of society?

It is logic to assume that those who oppose Constitutional Carry, a legal and logical no-brainer, believe that the common citizen is a terrorist criminal who is intending on murdering their fellow human being. Constitutional carry opponents believe that criminals are more respectable people, by enabling their advantage by putting everyday Mainers at a disadvantage.

Think carefully, Augusta. Either stand by the safety of everyday Mainers and co-sponsor Senator Brakey’s legislation, or oppose it and endorse criminal advantage across the state.

]]>http://undercoverporcupine.bangordailynews.com/2015/02/12/politics/legislature-to-again-consider-constitutional-carry/feed/0Legalizing Pot Is About More Than Just Pothttp://undercoverporcupine.bangordailynews.com/2015/02/11/politics/legalizing-pot-is-about-more-than-just-pot/
http://undercoverporcupine.bangordailynews.com/2015/02/11/politics/legalizing-pot-is-about-more-than-just-pot/#commentsWed, 11 Feb 2015 19:55:06 +0000http://undercoverporcupine.bangordailynews.com/?p=567The marijuana debate will no doubt be heating up with news that Legalize Maine has submitted paperwork for a 2016 ballot initiative to legalize recreational marijuana. Legalize Maine is a Maine organization, without any ties to national or out-of-state special interest groups, that seeks to bring this important question to the people themselves.

Marijuana legalization has always been a heated debate and often because of a wrong focus. Instead of debating the safety and moral implications of the plant, we should be debating the level of government control we’re allowing in our lives. We should also make note of the financial impact it has on the taxpayer.

The War on Drugs has been, by all rational accounts, a failure. According to the Drug Policy Alliance, the U.S. Government spends $51 billion irresponsibly playing moral police in the privacy of people’s personal lives. 693,482 individuals were arrested in 2013 alone on marijuana violations, with 88% of them being simple possession charges.

In the process of all of this, the government is feeding a dark black market that requires additional law enforcement spending and prison space. All of this is a significant bill the taxpayers must foot.

On the financial side of things, a great deal of revenue could be made if marijuana is taxed as opposed to criminalized. Maine would likely benefit from having a police force that could productively focus on actual crimes, such as murder and theft, as opposed to people owning a plant.

Colorado, for example, has reportedly collected $44 million in tax revenue from recreational marijuana alone, according to WKBN27.

Opponents of marijuana legalization are not worried about moral impact, because nobody is targeting big pharma or discussing banning synthetic chemical compounds that have much more damaging effects on society and the human body. This is about fearmongering by special interests that have long kept society locked in a phobia of marijuana.

The police force will continue to oppose marijuana legalization because more crimes creates greater job security. The government will continue to oppose marijuana legalization because of the power trip.

Fortunately in Maine, Legalize Maine will be taking this question to the people for them to decide.

And in all reality, most people aren’t concerned about what individuals do in their own private lives. If this infringes upon their own lives wrongfully, by influence creating dangerous conditions or relating in loss of property, then there are laws already in place to react to this.

Again, opposition to marijuana legalization is about special interests and government control. This has nothing to do about the people’s safety or social morality.

We have a unique opportunity here in Maine to once again take the lead in America. We can enact freedom for individuals to do as they wish privately, with tax revenue contributing to the state government, while freeing up tax dollars and relieving the taxpayer of the heavy burden of the drug war.

This is not an initiative being pushed by out-of-state special interests groups looking for trophies on their career shelf or victories under their political belt. This is by Mainers for Mainers, doing what is best for Mainers.

This discussion will no doubt become more in depth in the months ahead and we must all come to the table with an open mind. This is a serious policy topic that has had a significant financial effect on society for decades. Let’s not make the wrong decision here.

Recently Governor LePage released his proposed two-year budget for the State of Maine. With a simple search of Google or Social Media, one will find that this budget is becoming a large source of debate and conversation. People across the political spectrum have expressed their views on what this budget may or may not accomplish if passed.

My major concern with the budget is not that the next time I get a haircut or play a round of golf it’s going to cost me a few extra dollars because of the new tax that is being placed on them, but that if it is passed it will allow local municipalities to make up revenue sharing gaps by assessing property tax on nonprofit groups and organizations.

According to the Executive Director of the Maine Republican Party and a Republican State Senator, places of worship will be exempt from this taxation, but places like hospitals, community centers, soup kitchens and food pantries will not if their property is worthy more than $500,000.00.

I was told (well technically tweeted to) by this same Executive Director that the reasoning that these groups should be taxed is because they aren’t paying their “fair share” to the local municipalities even though they consume a percent of the local resources.

Not paying their fair share?

Let me remind the Governor, and those who might back this proposed idea, just what the many non-profits in Maine actually do; they do work that the government cannot do, and most of them do it in a lean, efficient, and high impact manner.

Feed and clothe the needy, help addicts recovery from substance abuse, offer educational opportunities for children and adults, advocacy for the elderly, provide safety for those who are in abuse situations, help with job training, provide legal advice, tend to the welfare of animals and wildlife, these are just a few of the services that nonprofits in Maine offer.

One of the reasons these groups and organizations are free from property taxes is because the services they offer have been deemed a benefit to their community.

In my opinion it is not in the best interest of the State of Maine, of the local towns and cities and in particularly the taxpayers to increase the burden on any of the nonprofit groups and organizations found in the State of Maine.

I applaud the Governor’s efforts in the arena of welfare reform, job creation, and particularly his work in trying to stop domestic abuse in Maine. I would hope that he, his administration and the State Legislature would take the time necessary to do the research and see what damage it would cause if this form of taxation is pushed through.

Matt McDonald is a guest blogger at the Undercover Porcupine. He has fourteen years experience in the nonprofit sector. He is politically independent and loves to travel. You can follow him on Twitter @Matt_McDonald_

]]>http://undercoverporcupine.bangordailynews.com/2015/01/12/politics/nonprofits-and-the-maine-state-budget/feed/0The Revolt Against Bruce Poliquinhttp://undercoverporcupine.bangordailynews.com/2015/01/07/politics/the-revolt-against-bruce-poliquin/
http://undercoverporcupine.bangordailynews.com/2015/01/07/politics/the-revolt-against-bruce-poliquin/#commentsWed, 07 Jan 2015 14:09:11 +0000https://undercoverporcupine.bangordailynews.com/?p=559It’s almost a sad day to be Bruce Poliquin, the former State Treasurer who ran past liberal superhero Emily Cain to claim the Congressional seat of the humiliated and defeated Mike Michaud. Why? Any other year, nobody would like paying attention to the inside baseball that unfolds among quarreling Republicans. Some grumbling would be met when news of John Boehner being re elected as House Speaker hit, but that would be the end of it.

Welcome to the year 2015, where many conservatives are finally waking up to the reality of Republican politics.

Though it is surprising that anyone expected Poliquin to vote for anyone but Boehner. It wasn’t worth his political career to burn a man who personally campaigned for him and turn to a Congressman who is afraid of Terror Babies.

Poliquin is not the renegade freshman that Congressman Justin Amash is, who has been been a problem child for the country club establishment for a few years now. He is a man who has been searching for a political career for a couple of different election cycles and has finally found it.

Politicians will be politicians, nothing less.

Still, there is a lot of outrage from conservatives who were once excited for Poliquin and hopeful after blowing up his phone lines that he might actually be the Congressman they wanted.

Then he voted for the man that nobody wanted.

Time will tell how conservatives will ultimately receive Congressman Poliquin. In all reality, this will likely blow over with most. This is far from the first time that somebody in Republican leadership endured the burning fury of bitter conservatives, only to have that fire turn cold when a Democrat walks into the room. Remember Reince Priebus? Conservatives once wanted to remove him, too.

Of course, there’s always the possibility that times have changed. If this is the case, Congressman Poliquin is going to have put in overtime working to gain the trust of conservative Republicans who feel violated.

]]>http://undercoverporcupine.bangordailynews.com/2015/01/07/politics/the-revolt-against-bruce-poliquin/feed/0Ferguson Is It’s Own Worst Enemyhttp://undercoverporcupine.bangordailynews.com/2014/11/26/politics/ferguson-is-its-own-worst-enemy/
http://undercoverporcupine.bangordailynews.com/2014/11/26/politics/ferguson-is-its-own-worst-enemy/#commentsWed, 26 Nov 2014 22:09:17 +0000http://undercoverporcupine.bangordailynews.com/?p=557This week, the City of Ferguson, Missouri has descended into a state of total chaos after the Grand Jury decided to not pursue charges against Officer Darren Wilson. The chaos involves violent riots that have piled up property damage and turned a city into a war zone.

But what is the misdirected anger really doing for the protest cause?

What is looting Family Dollar going to do to teach the legal system? What is burning an Advanced Auto Parts to the ground going to prove?

Police brutality exists and is unfortunately quite widespread, but this is not one of those instances. While I cannot possibly begin to understand the pain of Michael Brown’s family, there comes a point when they need to stop blaming the world for him acting like a thug.

This is not a race issue. Period.

If Ferguson is your first example that comes to mind when you think of police brutality, clearly somewhere between conception and today your parents forgot to tell you to “turn off the T.V. and go play outside.”

Just because this is an instance of a white man shooting down an African American man, does not mean it was because of the color of the skin. Society has become increasingly shallow because it views everything as an issue of skin color.

Back in the late nineties, Mark McGwire ended up beating Sammy Sosa in the great home run race that revived Major League Baseball. Why did it restore the greatness of a slumping sport? If you’d ask the citizens of Ferguson, it was because the white man came out on top, again wronging the black man.

When I was in high school, I beat my best friend in arm wrestling once. Did I mention he was African American? Clearly gravity is racist for not favoring him.

But let’s pretend for a minute that there is a race war in progress and that the African Americans of Ferguson are being disrespected because of skin color by an out-of-control police force, which may be the case overall.

So you’re going to react by giving legitimate reasons to be disrespected?

What did looting small business do? Bravo, you stole a television and some toilet paper.

What did scorching buildings do? Well, you can start a fire. Congratulations.

It’s not the police who are suffering, they actually have gained greater job security by having to tame the madness. The legal system is by no means suffering as a result of these riots, because with dozens of people arrested, they have job security as well.

It’s the low and middle class workers who can’t return to work because the windows of their employer got smashed, merchandise got stolen, and the property otherwise made unfit for business. In the days before Thanksgiving in a struggling economy, the heartlessly selfish rioters of Ferguson put them down.

What about the local small businesses with owners who worked hard to create a sophisticated operation to be proud of? In the beginning days of the holiday season, this was all destroyed because of a childish temper tantrum gone wild.

Good job, Ferguson. Your action resulted in a militarized police as a reaction, the very thing many of us agree shouldn’t happen. Your action resulted in job loss and significant property damage to people who did nothing to you or this thieving bully everyone is supporting.

If you believe that the system is indeed broken, then work to make peaceful and productive progress. The system can be fixed by becoming involved in the political processes and mobilizing your friends, family, and neighbors to become engaged activists. The political system could use more everyday Americans to break the chokehold of the political elite.

Violence is not the answer. Is this is not the point of the protesting in the first place? If there is even a point at all?

]]>http://undercoverporcupine.bangordailynews.com/2014/11/26/politics/ferguson-is-its-own-worst-enemy/feed/0Everyday Mainers, Governor LePage and Political Correctnesshttp://undercoverporcupine.bangordailynews.com/2014/11/18/politics/everyday-mainers-governor-lepage-and-political-correctness/
http://undercoverporcupine.bangordailynews.com/2014/11/18/politics/everyday-mainers-governor-lepage-and-political-correctness/#commentsTue, 18 Nov 2014 21:18:11 +0000https://undercoverporcupine.bangordailynews.com/?p=554The strong re-election numbers for Governor Paul LePage stunned a lot of people who honestly should not have been surprised. Congressman Mike Michaud was never a great Representative, but just another entrenched incumbent who somehow kept winning while everyone in America hates Congress. Eliot Cutler was also again in the race, though did not have an effect like he did in the last gubernatorial election.

The re-election of Governor LePage by a larger number margin while facing a more popular Democratic opponent tells us a number of things. Contrary to popular belief, everyday Mainers don’t subscribe to the Democratic myth that welfare reform and limited government are apart of a war against Middle Class Mainers. It’s actually quite the opposite.

It also tells us that maybe Mainers aren’t so concerned with political correctness.

Democrats lacked a vision and focus, and their entire electoral goal was a personal vendetta against the Governor. In a troublesome economy, Mainers are faced with a number of problems to keep their struggling families above water. Among these problems is not making sure the other 49 are not laughing at a Governor who absolutely refuses to play the disingenuous diplomacy games many in politics play.

Given all his faults, at least there wasn’t guess work involved when wondering how Governor LePage actually felt about any given topic.

Democrats liked to portray to Governor LePage as an embarrassment to Maine, but how many Mainers are actually sitting around their kitchen table balancing an impossible checkbook thinking, “wow, people in California most think we’re a bunch of blunt, redneck morons”?

People don’t care about playing games. This is a fact politicians who live and breathe the game fail to realize. Everyday Mainers don’t wake up swamped in bills and hope that Governor LePage won’t offend some special interest group with a comment like “kiss my butt.” Is it rude? Sure, but it’s not a top concern for those people who just want to survive life.

Hopefully Democrats, for their sake, think long and hard about why they lost. Again. Because if they don’t, this will not be the last time Mainers refuse to play the PC game.